Beans on toast is a British staple that is usually made after a long day when you are craving something comforting, but there is a really easy way to make this simple dinner even better. You could just cook up the beans and then serve on toast, but Grace Hall, a cook and founder of Eats Amazing, has suggested that a splash of Worcestershire sauce can make this dish much more flavourful.

Grace said: “Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce - if you've never tried this, it's a must!” Worcestershire sauce is not traditionally added to baked beans, but its salty and savoury flavours give the beans a richer taste.

It contains anchovies, which are often used in pasta dishes like Bolognese to add depth and umami, so the same cooking principle applies here.

A small amount can significantly enhance the overall flavour of baked beans as it gives it a umami boost that mimics the taste of bacon or ham so you have a much more satisfying meal without much effort.

How to perfect beans on toast

You will need (per person):

• Two slices of bread
• One tablespoon of butter
• Half a 400g tin of beans
• Splash of Worcestershire sauce
• 25g of grated cheese
• Black pepper (optional)

Instructions

Pour baked beans into a small saucepan, and cook for three to four minutes until bubbling.

Alternatively, place the baked beans in a heatproof bowl and cook in the microwave for one minute at full power. Remove the bowl from the microwave, stir it, and then put it back in for 30 more seconds.

Once the beans are ready, add the bread to the toaster until it is crisp and golden brown, then spread a generous amount of butter.

Grace said: “If serving to younger children, cut the toast into soldiers first, it makes it much easier for them to eat!”

Spoon the beans onto the toast, sprinkle with grated cheese and only then add the Worcestershire sauce on top. Adding the Worcestershire sauce at the end preserves the flavour as if cooked too long in the beans, the tangy taste can fade.

Season with black pepper if you wish, and your comforting plate of beans on toast will be ready to eat and taste much more satisfying.